as in error
a false idea or belief
the belief that going outside with wet hair will cause you to catch cold is just an old wives' tale
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Recent Examples of old wives' tale
Warm milk The long-standing tradition of drinking a glass of warm milk before bed isn't just an old wives' tale.
—
Lauren Manaker,
SELF,
26 Nov. 2025
Ольга Симонова/iStock / Getty Images Plus Coffee in the garden isn't just an old wives' tale.
—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
Lauren Manaker,
SELF,
26 Nov. 2025
Ольга Симонова/iStock / Getty Images Plus Coffee in the garden isn't just an old wives' tale.
—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for old wives' tale
Noun
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Third baseman Ryan McMahon also committed a throwing error, New York's 19th in its last 14 games.
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England is hoping karma is on its side after a famous goal-scoring error sealed a World Cup loss to Argentina 40 years ago at Azteca Stadium.
Noun
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Despite numerous myths, a cat's fur color does not impact its personality traits.
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This is myth, and fisheries biologists know that pike do feed during the hot months just as other fish do.
Noun
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We are encouraged to indulge our delusions about replacement theory and white male superiority and to surrender to our instincts toward incivility and division.
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As Lines’ delusions calcified, so did ChatGPT’s affirmations.
Noun
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His update on the C-cut began just below the chin, with extra lift at the roots and inward-curving lengths that narrowed toward the ends to create the illusion of a heart.
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Following the fall of Poland in September 1939, and before Germany invaded Denmark and Norway in April 1940, the absence of sustained military operations created the illusion of normalcy.
Cite this Entry
“Old wives' tale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/old%20wives%27%20tale. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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